When you watch NFL players on the ground and their game that time you might have noticed that players wear something around their necks and it is called the Q-Collar. It is all about keeping them safe on the field, not simply about style.
Together we can examine the Q-Collar in more detail, including what it is, why NFL players wear it, and why it matters so much to the sport.
Discover the secrets surrounding this necessary piece of technology by reading on.
Quickly Navigate
- 1 What Are The NFL Players Wearing On Their Necks?
- 2 The Q-Collar
- 3 When was the Q-Collar FDA Approved?
- 4 What is the Q-Collar Made Of?
- 5 How Does the Q-collar Work?
- 6 Do Q-collars Help Headaches?
- 7 Q-collar Side Effects
- 8 Use of the Q-Collar in Other Sports
- 9 How Much Does the Q-Collar Cost?
- 10 Safety Regulations and Guidelines
- 11 The Future of Sports Safety
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions
- 13 Final Note
What Are The NFL Players Wearing On Their Necks?
The neck device that some NFL players wear is called “Q-Collar”. This is a medical device that is intended to help decrease brain concussions as well as injury. This provides a small amount of pressure to the wearers’ internal jugular vein that increases blood flow to the brain. This increased flow of blood is thought to help stabilize the brain and reduce its movement inside the skull during an impact.
The Q-Collar
In 2021, The Q-Collar was authorized for marketing by the United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration). FDA said that Q-Collar may reduce the occurrence of specific changes in the brain that are associated with brain injury. At the same time, the FDA also noted and warned that the product is not a replacement for a helmet as well as can’t prevent serious head injuries or concussions.
In recent years, many NFL players have begun to wear this Q-Collar. Even Dalton Schultz, Luke Kuechly, and Tony Pollard wear this but still, this is a relatively new device and it needs more research to determine whether it is long-term safe or effective.
When was the Q-Collar FDA Approved?
On March 02, 2021, the FDA approved the Q-Collar under the De Novo method, a regulatory route for new medical devices that are not essentially interchangeable with any already-approved products.
The FDA must receive proof from the device maker that the product is safe and efficient for the purpose for which it is intended to grant De Novo authorization.
After examining the data submitted by the equipment producer, the FDA concluded that the product satisfies the standards for De Novo authorization.
FDA approval marks an essential turning point for both the business and the sports safety industry. This is the first product with FDA approval that prevents brain damage and injuries caused by sports in athletes.
What is the Q-Collar Made Of?
Q-collar has a force-provided component, which has been carefully innovated as well as is made up of silicone urethane elastomer. Wearing silicone urethane elastomer on the skin is safe because it is a biocompatible substance that is both long-lasting and flexible.
The force-providing insert consistent application of pressure to the interior jugular vein is achieved by the use of a unique substance.
Wearing the collar during sports and other activities is comfortable because it is sweat-resistant and waterproof.
All things considered, this is composed of premium materials that are intended to be secure, long-lasting, and pleasant.
How Does the Q-collar Work?
The internal jugular vein in the neck is compressed just a little bit by the Q-Collar. More blood reaches the brain as a result of this pressure. It is believed that the increased blood flow during an impact supports the brain and reduces its movement inside the skull.
The Q-Collar is based on the idea that movement of the brain inside the skull might cause injury to sensitive nerve tissue. It is believed that the Q-Collar’s enhanced blood flow helps to cushion the brain and minimize this movement.
The Q-Collar’s performance is supported by some scientific research. According to one study, NFL players who wore the Q-Collar, for the scenario, were less likely to experience signs of a concussion following a head collision. To validate these results and verify the Q-Collar’s long-term reliability and security, more investigation is necessary.
Do Q-collars Help Headaches?
There is some evidence to suggest that Q-Collars may lower headache frequency and intensity. In this case, one study discovered that using this tool for four weeks significantly decreased the number of headache days experienced by migraine sufferers each month.
According to a different study, wearing a Q-Collar for two weeks significantly reduced the duration and intensity of pain in patients with tension headaches.
Uncertainty surrounds the exact process by which Q-Collars could decrease headache frequency. Yet it is believed that the Q-Collar’s boosted blood flow to the brain might lower inflammation while increasing oxygen supply.
Q-collar Side Effects
The following are some things to think about regarding possible Q-Collar negative effects,
Skin Irritation
Athletes who wear the gadget for extended amounts of time have reported experiencing mild skin irritation or pain. This can differ from person to person and be brought on by things like the collar’s fit and materials.
Neck Discomfort
Sportspeople who are not used to wearing collars around their necks could initially feel some pain. It could take some time for you to become used to the feeling.
Limited Scientific Data
Addressing potential risks can be difficult because there may not be as much scientific data as there formerly was, given how recently the Q-Collar and other comparable devices have been used.
Safety Concerns
Although not a direct side effect, questions have been raised regarding the Q-Collar’s ability to prevent traumatic brain injuries. There have been doubts from certain experts on whether the increased blood volume in the neck offers enough protection.
Use of the Q-Collar in Other Sports
It is valuable to note that the Q-Collar made its debut in the NFL, even though we may be concentrating on its use in other sports. It was first used by several professional football players as an additional layer of protection, especially for their heads.
Still, the innovation is not limited to football. In other sports where brain injuries are a risk, it is also being studied. Players in several sports, including rugby, hockey, soccer, and even certain combat sports, are investigating how this collar might keep them safer while they engage in their favorite activities.
How Much Does the Q-Collar Cost?
The Q-Collar is $199 in price. A price might change based on some variables, such as the model, brand, and store where you buy it.
It is available for purchase straight from the Q30 website or from a few chosen shops.
Yet pricing might fluctuate over time, and costs may differ depending on where you live and any newly released models or brands.
Visit the manufacturer’s official website or get in touch with approved shops or medical suppliers that carry the product to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date data on prices.
Enquire with your sports organization for advice on where to buy as well as details on any possible savings or financial support that might be offered.
Safety Regulations and Guidelines
- Not too tight, but exactly sufficient to wear the Q-Collar. Additionally, it needs to be properly positioned to press against the internal jugular vein.
- The collar should not be worn for longer than eight hours at a time. If the Q-Collar is worn for an extended period, it may cause soreness or swelling.
- As soon as you feel any pain or swelling, take off the Q-Collar.
- If you already have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease should not use this product.
- Before using this collar, see a doctor, especially if you have any health concerns.
The Future of Sports Safety
Expert conversations and debates have been triggered by the Q-Collar. While some doubt that it works, others support it as a potential first step in enhancing player safety. To realize its full potential, more research is required.
We might expect additional improvements in technology, such as the Q-Collar, to be made to make sports safer for athletes. It might not be a miracle cure, but it is a positive start toward shielding athletes’ brains in a variety of sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who makes the Q-Collar?
Ans: Q30 Innovations is a US-based firm located in Sussex, Wisconsin, that manufactures the Q-Collar.
The goal of Q30 Innovations, a medical device firm, is to create new methods to prevent brain damage. The company’s main product is this product.
Q. Where was the Q-Collar invented?
Ans: In Sussex, Wisconsin, USA, a group of scientists and engineers at Q30 Innovations created the Q-Collar.
Q. When did the Q-Collar come out?
Ans: In 2021, the Q-Collar was first made available in the US. On March 2, 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave it marketing authorization.
Q. Is it safe to wear a neck collar?
Ans: Depending on the kind of collar, why you have it, and how long you want to wear it, you can determine whether or not wearing a neck collar is safe.
Q. Who should wear a Q-collar?
Ans: Athletes 13 years of age and up are recommended to use the Q-Collar during sporting activities to help protect the brain from the consequences of repeated sub-concussive head hits.
Final Note
After having been used in the NFL at first, the Q-Collar is currently being investigated and applied to other sports. Its revolutionary strategy of improving safety by raising the volume of blood in the neck is an improvement.
We expect additional developments that put player health in all sports first as science and technology progress.
